Claim about doctor shocks victim

Ramandeep Singh, in the dairy where it's alleged he was stabbed by Aholima, says he is still in pain. Photo / APN

A Bay of Plenty dairy worker has been left shocked at news that a doctor is being investigated over claims she had an affair with the man who allegedly stabbed him 10 times in a frenzied attack earlier this year.

Lee Regustly Aholima, 46, has been charged over a vicious attack at a Katikati dairy in March that left shopkeeper Ramandeep Singh with 10 stab wounds.

The Herald reported yesterday that a former doctor at Bay of Plenty District Health Board - who allegedly gave Aholima a "markedly different assessment" to that of another medical colleague a month before the attack - has resigned and is being investigated over allegations of having engaged in a sexual relationship with Aholima.

Mr Singh, who has since returned to work, was unaware of the investigation and was surprised when he heard the claims. "Everyone is [surprised], not just me, every single member of my family."

Aholima allegedly stabbed Mr Singh in his lung and then his right arm, neck, shoulder and back.

Kamalgit Kaur was punched as she went to the aid of her nephew.

Mr Singh told the Herald he was in hospital for five days before returning to work after four weeks of recovery.

The wounds still sometimes caused pain - "for one or two seconds but normally it's all right" - but he tried not to think about the ordeal.

Aholima remains in the care of the Henry Rongomau Bennett mental health centre in Hamilton.

No trial date has been set.

Aholima's fitness to plead to the charges - which are wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and aggravated assault - is yet to be determined.

It is understood the investigation into the allegations he had an affair with the doctor who treated him is continuing.